Accused of Assault?

Dedicated Buffalo Criminal Defense Attorneys

Assault can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony level offense,
depending on the specific facts of each case. Assault is considered a
"violent" crime and carries significant penalties, including
mandatory jail time in the event of a felony conviction for assault in
the second degree or in the first degree. Violent crimes are always viewed
as a top priority by judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement. If you
have been charged with assault, or any related offense, then it is critical
that you hire a team of experienced
criminal defense attorneys.

Our dedicated and award-winning Buffalo criminal defense attorneys at
The Rossi Law Firm are seasoned litigators whose skills in the courtroom have been recognized by
national industry accolades. We understand that being charged with a violent crime creates the risk
of significant penalties, and we analyze every aspect of the case to ensure
that we achieve the best possible results under the specific facts of
your case.

Assault Definitions in New York

In New York State, assault is classified as either first or second degree,
which are both felony level offenses, or assault in the third degree,
which is a misdemeanor level offense. The facts and allegations of each
specific case determine whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor
or felony offense.

New York defines assault in the following ways:

Assault in third degree - class "A" misdemeanor offense (Penal
Law §120.00): An individual is guilty of assault in the third degree when that individual
causes "physical injury" to another person with the intent to
cause such an injury. An individual is also guilty of assault in the third
degree when that individual causes physical injury to another person by
acting recklessly, or by acting with "criminal negligence,"
in the event that the injury is caused by a deadly weapon or dangerous
instrument.

Assault in the second degree - class "D" felony offense (Penal
Law §120.05): An individual is guilty of assault in the second degree when that individual
causes "serious physical injury" to another person with the
intent to cause such an injury. An individual is also guilty of assault
in the second degree when that individual causes "physical injury"
to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument,
and the individual intended to cause "physical injury."

Assault in the first degree - class "B" felony offense (Penal
Law §120.10): An individual is guilty of assault in the first degree when that individual
intentionally causes "serious physical injury" to another person
by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument.

Assault in the third degree is considered a class "A" misdemeanor
offense, punishable by a jail sentence of up to one year and a fine of
up to $1,000.00, while assault in the second degree and assault in the
first degree are considered violent felony offenses, which carry mandatory
jail sentences in the event of a conviction. If you've been charged with
assault or any related offense, it is vital that you retain experienced
criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible. Contact the Buffalo criminal
defense attorneys at The Rossi Law Firm - they have the knowledge and
trial experience necessary to obtain the best results under the specific
facts of your case.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.